The results of this study show clearly that civil protective orders are an effective intervention in addressing partner violence. For approximately half the women, all it took to stop the violence was a protective order. For the other half, the violence and abuse was significantly reduced.

Key Findings:

Civil protective orders are effective in reducing partner violence for many women. For half the women in the sample, a protective order stopped the violence. For the other half, the orders significantly reduced violence and abuse.
Not only are civil protective orders effective, but they are a relatively low-cost solution, particularly when compared with the social and personal costs of partner violence.
The impact of civil protective orders on reducing violence and abuse did not differ for rural and urban women.
In rural areas, where resources and services for partner violence may be more limited, it is critical to reduce barriers to obtaining protective orders as research indicates they may be an effective resource.
Community-level barriers to enforce civil protective orders exist for women in rural areas.

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